Nagma Shrestna speaking at the UN
On February 5, the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) was honored to be one of six nongovernmental organizations given the opportunity to speak at the United Nations 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event focused on advancing global partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals and was attended by over 400 representatives from Member States, international organizations, and civil society. An IAYSP representative from the USA, Ms. Nagma Shrestha, highlighted efforts to empower youth to take action in local communities through initiatives such as the Peace Designer program. This curriculum encourages youth involvement and ownership via designing and implementing self-sponsored, community-service projects. Ms. Shrestha also urged governments and international bodies to invest in youth-led projects that would amplify young voices in helping to shape global policies. One of the key concepts of IAYSP, Hyojeong, is a Korean term meaning “filial heart.” The term was coined by Dr. Hak Ja Han, IAYSP’s founder, and it challenges young leaders to take responsibility for creating a peaceful, sustainable world at the local level through active community involvement. “The honor of IAYSP represented at this UN ECOSOC forum was a significant milestone for us,” said Dr. Koji Matsuda, the IAYSP International President. “We are encouraged and challenged to be a more effective bridge between youth, policymakers, and global institutions such as the UN.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZXcjtFihKI Statement by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) Delivered at the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum on February 5, 2025 Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and stakeholders, The International Association of Youth and Students for Peace, or IAYSP, is honored to contribute to the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum. As an organization committed to empowering youth through community-driven initiatives and intergenerational partnerships, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda.At IAYSP, we believe that youth are not mere beneficiaries of sustainable development; they are active partners in driving transformative change. Through innovative partnerships, we seek to harness their creativity and determination to address global challenges. IAYSP has partnered with local organizations and educational institutions to organize the Peace Designer Seminar programs, which empower youth to identify community challenges and design practical solutions. These youth-led projects, addressing gender equality and social cohesion, have already benefited hundreds in their communities. This reflects the importance of empowering young people by ensuring their meaningful participation in global processes, fostering opportunities for them to engage in local and global dialogues, and supporting them to lead and implement the solutions that directly impact their lives and communities. Inclusivity and diversity are at the core of effective partnerships. Guided by our interfaith principles, IAYSP has facilitated dialogue among youth from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. These dialogues empower young leaders to dismantle systemic barriers, champion opportunities for all, and create spaces for equitable participation. A concept central to our efforts is hyojeong, a Korean term that can be interpreted as “heart of devotion.” Introduced by our founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han, it embodies ethical leadership grounded in love, respect, and service. It encourages individuals to take responsibility in building a peaceful and sustainable world by leading with empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared duty. Today, we call on governments, the private sector, and civil society to invest in youth-led initiatives, strengthen intergenerational partnerships, and amplify youth voices in decision-making. Young people expressed hopes for the Summit of the Future and a Pact that safeguards their rights and the world. These voices shaped the Summit outcomes, and now member states must fulfill those commitments for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Thank you.
2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum – SIDE EVENT
2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum SIDE EVENT CONCEPT NOTE From Margins to Changemakers: Girls Empowered through Leadership Training and Travel Organized by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace & Girls Empowered by Travel – Nepal; co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the UN and the Major Group for Children and Youth Event Date: 5 February 5 2025 13:15-14:30 Location: 4 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 Format: Hybrid, off-site Background and Rationale In alignment with the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum theme, “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” this side event will explore how empowering girls through travel and grassroots leadership can drive progress on the SDGs. This event also connects to the CSW Beijing 30+ agenda, emphasizing the critical need for continued action on gender equality, economic growth, and global partnerships. Focusing on SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), this event will highlight the innovative approaches of Girls Empowered by Travel (GET-Nepal) in fostering leadership and empowerment for marginalized women and girls through community-based travel initiatives. Complementing these efforts, the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace’s (IAYSP) Peace Designer program and SDG education modules provide a global perspective, equipping participants with the tools for local empowerment and to align local initiatives with broader sustainable development goals. In December 2024, IAYSP and GET-Nepal collaborated providing simultaneous programming in Nepal to girls. This collaboration demonstrates the power of community-led solutions in advancing gender equality and scaling local efforts into global impact. Resonating with the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum’s focus on inclusive, evidence-based solutions, this event serves as a precursor to the upcoming CSW69, marking the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. It amplifies the call for multi-stakeholder partnerships that empower girls and advance gender equality worldwide. Objectives Showcase Innovation: Demonstrate how travel-based leadership programs can serve as powerful tools for education, empowerment, and sustainable community development. Highlight Collaboration: Present the successful partnership between IAYSP and GET-Nepal as a model for creating ripple effects of empowerment through grassroots initiatives. Advance SDGs: Illustrate measurable impacts on SDG 5, SDG 8, and SDG 17 through targeted empowerment strategies for marginalized women and girls. Inspire Action: Encourage multi-stakeholder commitments to support similar programs globally by fostering innovative and inclusive partnerships. Program of the Side Event Duration: 75 minutes Moderator: Olga Majitova, Secretary General of IAYSP Opening Remarks (5 minutes) Overview of the 2025 ECOSOC Partnership Forum theme and the significance of grassroots and inclusive partnerships. Opening Remarks from a representative of the Permanent Mission of Mexico Case Study Presentation (5 minutes) Case Study: Elena Zubareva, Co-Founder of GET-Nepal How about: The Role of Travel in Empowering Women in Nepal: Promoting Leadership, Community Development, and Sustainable Tourism Panel Discussion (30 minutes) Speakers: Representative from GET-Nepal: Elena Zubareva, Co-Founder of GET-Nepal – Empowering Women through Travel: Stories of Transformation Co-Founder Graduate of the Hitaishi Program: TBD – Grassroots Leadership: From Participant to Community Leader Representative from IAYSP: Nagma Shrestha, IAYSP Representative to the UN, NY – Peace Designer Program and SDG Education: Building Global Connections for Local Impact Representative from MGCY Interactive Discussion (25 minutes) Open floor for participants to share ideas and discuss opportunities for collaboration in advancing gender equality and community-based solutions. Closing Remarks (5 minutes) Call to action: Mobilizing commitments to empower girls through innovative and inclusive partnerships. About the Organizations The International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth to become agents of positive change. Through educational programs, service projects, and leadership training aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), IAYSP seeks to foster a culture of peace and innovation among young people worldwide. Since achieving ECOSOC Special Consultative Status in 2022, IAYSP has strengthened its efforts to collaborate with the United Nations and other stakeholders, amplifying youth voices in addressing global challenges. One of its flagship programs, Peace Designer, equips participants with the skills to design and implement impactful, community-driven projects, fostering practical solutions to local and global issues. With chapters in over 50 countries, IAYSP bridges cultures, communities, and generations to promote sustainable development and build a peaceful future. Girls Empowered by Travel-Nepal (GET-Nepal) is a youth-led nonprofit organization founded in 2017 that empowers women through travel, leadership, and community engagement. Based in Kathmandu, GET-Nepal provides safe, supportive spaces for women to connect, learn, and lead while contributing to the sustainable development of their communities. Through its flagship initiatives—such as Hitaishi, a rural-urban skills-sharing program, and the Sustainable Tourism Initiative—GET-Nepal connects diverse groups of women to foster intercultural exchange and promote sustainable practices. By combining travel with leadership development, GET-Nepal inspires participants to create transformative change in their personal lives and communities, addressing challenges such as literacy, gender-based violence, and environmental sustainability. As of 2023, over 4,000 individuals benefited from GET-Nepal’s programs, which continue to have a ripple effect in empowering marginalized women and fostering community-driven solutions. GET-Nepal’s motto, “Travel Can Make a Difference,” reflects its commitment to using meaningful travel as a tool for education, empowerment, sustainable change, and creating fun and memorable experiences for youth. Contact Information International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP)Email: [unoffice@iaysp.org]Website: [www.iaysp.org] Girls Empowered by Travel-Nepal (GET-Nepal)Email: [girlsebyt@gmail.com]Website: [https://girlsempoweredbytravel.org/]
Side-Event at the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024
The ECOSOC Youth Forum 2024 Side Event titled “Towards a Global Standard for Meaningful Youth Engagement in the Pact for the Future,” took place on April 18 at the European Union Mission to the UN. Organized by the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace in conjunction with UN Youth Delegates and Youth Representatives from Austria, Czech Republic, the European Union, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, Switzerland, and the USA, this event was part of the broader theme of the ECOSOC Youth Forum, the theme being: “Youth shaping sustainable and innovative solutions: Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of crises.” The upcoming Summit of the Future later in September is set to address the topic of youth engagement at the highest level. The ECOSOC Youth Forum serves as a pivotal platform for young people worldwide to engage in dialogue on sustainable development. The summit aims to produce a Pact for the Future, which seeks to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The zero-draft of this pact has requested the Secretary-General to lead the development of a global standard for meaningful youth engagement. The primary objectives of this side event were twofold. First, to define standards and develop actionable recommendations for meaningful youth engagement by establishing clear guidelines in policy and decision-making processes. These guidelines align with the Secretary-General’s Policy Brief, ongoing negotiations on the Pact of the Future, and specifically SDG 16.7, which aims to ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels. Second, to foster substantive dialogue by facilitating intergenerational and interactive discussions exploring youth involvement in policy-making processes in line with SDG 17. Have a look at the event reports below, as well as the recording of the event and the keynote video! Full Event Report Short Event Report Testimonies
Thailand Bakery Project
YSP USA has partnered with YSP Thailand to establish a bakery in a local Thai community. The ongoing project focuses on teaching young individuals baking skills, enabling them to generate income by selling baked goods, and thereby support their community. The talented pastry chef from New Jersey, Noriaki To, was sent over to the Surin Province to support the local community with Bakery Training in March (4-8). Hear his testimony and the testimonies of others that were involved in the project. Noriaki To | Pastry Chef : Nori, an avid baker who enjoys teaching others, embraced the chance to teach in Thailand, though he hadn’t expected such an opportunity to arise so early in his life. Upon arrival, he was struck by the new environment and cultural differences, noting, “I have never been in Thailand, I have never met anyone from this community and did not know anything about the community as well.” Despite initial shocks related to the climate and accommodations, Nori received a warm welcome from the local YSP members and integrated well in their chapter. After purchasing supplies and equipment for the bakery and participating in YSP activities, he went to work. Realizing the rarity of such opportunities in Thailand, he observed that “opportunities like this to be able to learn more about the world of pastry and how to create these sort of products is very rare,” and that “making income for them came through mostly fundraising.” The project started with Nori feeling “both nervous and excited,” unsure of the students’ expectations but uplifted by their enthusiasm. He found the work deeply rewarding, especially as he saw the impact of his teachings, noting, “this was not just about baking, but how this class was able to help others get to know each other.” He cherished the community’s gratitude, saying, “What really made me the happiest was hearing their testimonies of how grateful they were for this opportunity… Seeing and hearing the joy and laughter really reminded me of why I love pastry and what I do so much.” Yuna Son | Volunteer : Yuna, accompanying Nori on the mission, initially doubted how she could contribute due to her lack of baking skills, but was determined to support Nori, stating, “I don’t know anything about baking, so I decided to do my best to support Nori.” She was taken aback by the challenging conditions at the Surin Center, describing it as more difficult than anticipated: “The environment seemed more challenging than I expected. The classroom was too small for 15 students, and it was hard to keep the temperature in the room cold. There were also a lot of bugs too.” Despite these hardships, “Nori said that seeing such a difficult environment made him want to help the community even more. He didn’t complain and overcame all the external difficulties with a positive mindset.” Yuna was impressed that the “class went smoothly” thanks to Sunny, the interpreter. Despite the language barrier, we were able to accomplish this project together despite the difficult circumstances because we all had the same goal: to build a community where we can harmoniously live. After leaving Thailand, she was happy to see on social media that they are continuing to bake, a testament to the project’s success. She concludes with gratitude for the experience, emphasizing, “I received a lot of love from them while I was there, and I could feel God’s love through them.” Hosanna Nitro | Photographer/Videographer : After being offered the opportunity by Denthew Learey, YSP USA President, to support YSP Thailand as the photographer and videographer for the Bakery Project, Hosanna initially felt “nervous and hesitant.” However, Hosanna explains that she was “only left with gratitude and inspiration” from the experience. Although joining late due to being in Zambia for 3 weeks to document Generation Peace Academy’s time overseas, Hosanna admired the Thai members’ diligence, noting, “it was inspiring to see the Thai members be so diligent and committed to the project.” She was impressed by the interactive and eager learning environment, where “everyone was so receptive to feedback, and improvements were made quickly.” Despite the language barriers, the experience was rich with non-verbal communication, “with smiling faces and expressive body language, the environment was so friendly.” She also said: “I felt as though there was only encouragement being passed around to be better and to learn more. Everyone was so receptive to feedback, and improvements were made quickly. I have never experienced anything like this. I am only grateful for the opportunity and privilege to not just witness, but also document such an experience. I am hopeful that this project takes off successfully, and that Nori’s impact in Thailand’s community only rises like dough.”
Peace & Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific
Hosted by Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and co-sponsored by International Association of Youth & Students for Peace (IAYSP) & Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), IAYSP had the pleasure of co-sponsoring and attending the incredible luncheon event: Peace & Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific, at the UN Headquarters in New York Delegates Dining Room on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The purpose of the event was to advocate for the development of a union in the Asia-Pacific, that a governmental body be made to represent the area’s regional states to foster cooperation and harmony for the sake of peace and security in the region. IAYSP was honored to have had esteemed ambassadors and delegates join us for this luncheon event and extend our gratitude to: 1. H.E. Ms. Rebecca Suzanne Bryant, DPR, Permanent Mission of Australia 🇦🇺 2. H.E. Mr. Peter Mohan Maithri Pieris, Ambassador Permanent Mission of the Democratic Socialist, Republic of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 3. H.E. Mr. Tithianrun Mao, Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Cambodia 🇰🇭 4. Ms. Nagma Shrestha, Miss Universe Nepal 2017🇳🇵 5. Hon. Ek Nath Dhaka, Member of the House of Representatives, Nepal 🇳🇵 6. Amb. Isaiah Chabala, Permanent Representative of Zambia 🇿🇲
Peace Cup 2024
Peace Cup – January 5-7 The Los Angeles Family Church proudly orchestrated the inaugural Peace Cup in the city, sponsored by Youth & Students for Peace USA, marking the 20th anniversary of this esteemed event. Originating in 2003, the Peace Cup has been a beacon of hope, endeavoring to reconcile regional conflicts, foster unity across diverse demographics, and propagate spiritual and cultural harmony through the camaraderie of a friendly soccer tournament. Its core mission remains steadfast: to leverage the power of sports, culture, and arts in the pursuit of a unified Korea. From January 5th to 7th, 2024, Los Angeles bore witness to an exhilarating display of athleticism and unity, supported wholeheartedly by professional sports teams such as LA Galaxy and LA Clippers, alongside a captivating performance by a K-POP sensation during the opening ceremony. With over 750 enthusiastic participants attending the event over three action-packed days, the Peace Cup unfolded as a testament to the unifying power of sports. The inaugural day kicked off with a spirited futsal tournament, followed by volleyball and e-sports tournaments the next day. The second day also featured an educational session on North-South Korea relations, aimed at galvanizing awareness and support for reunification efforts in the United States. The event concluded on the third day with a basketball tournament. Through spirited competition and meaningful dialogue, participants not only celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship but also contributed to the noble vision of a unified Korea. Visit their webpage to learn more: https://www.peacecupla.org/